What is the regulatory dose limit for whole body radiation exposure per year?

The regulatory dose limit for whole body radiation exposure per year is set at 5 rem (roentgen equivalent man) for radiation workers. This limit is established by various regulatory bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as part of efforts to minimize health risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure.

Setting the limit at 5 rem reflects a balance between allowing individuals who work with radioactive materials to perform their duties while also protecting them from excessive exposure that could lead to harmful health effects, such as an increased risk of cancer. This standard recognizes both the necessity of radiation in certain occupations and the importance of maintaining safety standards to ensure the well-being of workers.

In contrast, other options represent dose limits either too high or too low for regulatory standards. For example, a limit of 50 rem is significantly higher than the established safe threshold for annual exposure. Such high exposure levels are generally associated with acute hazards and are not permissible for routine occupational health. Similarly, values like 15 rem and 0.5 rem do not align with the consensus guidelines for safe exposure levels over the course of a year for working professionals in environments where radiation is present.